5-Minute Film Festival: Arts Integration Turns STEM to STEAM

We have all heard the dire statistics about how we're not preparing American kids for the STEM careers of the future -- but there are many who say that a focus on science, technology, engineering, and math alone is not the answer. What about integrating creativity and the arts as a path to better engagement in, and understanding of, the STEM subjects? Or bring some humanities in, for the (somewhat unfortunate!) acronym SHTEAM? I've gathered the playlist of videos below to show some of the remarkable programs educators are building around this idea, as well as a few fun project ideas.

True, this video with adorable children explaining what STEAM means is an ad for littleBits, but I'm all for DIY electronics kits that help kids jump into hands-on learning. Plus, they offer educator discounts and lesson plans!

I'm a huge fan of everything 826 does, and this is no exception -- a workshop that brought writing and STEM together for nearly 100 kids across three cities. Check out their book STEM to Story for lesson plan ideas, or learn more in this article from GOOD.

This isn't the most deeply integrated example of STEAM I've seen, but the adorable kids make it worth a watch -- the profiled program is from Young Audiences of Louisiana.

More Resources on STEM to STEAM

Not everyone agrees that STEAM makes sense, of course, and not everyone is really doing justice to the concept in their programs. There are champions and detractors from the arts education world as well as the STEM side. But if you're interested in hearing more about the debate, or finding some curriculum ideas to give it a try in your own classroom, start with Edutopia's own STEM to STEAM resource roundup page, and then check out the links below. As always, feel free to leave additional ideas or resources in the comment section below!